PVTA sets hearings on increase

By Jack Flynn

05/15/2008- The Republican

SPRINGFIELD - Public hearings have been scheduled in six communities on fare increases proposed by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.

The hearings - to be held in Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield, Northampton, Amherst and Palmer - are intended to get a sampling of rider response to rate increases unveiled last week by PVTA Administrator Mary L. MacInnes.

The authority is proposing to increase bus fares on fixed routes from $1 to $1.25 for adults and from 50 cents to 60 cents for the elderly and disabled; van service for the elderly or disabled would increase from $2 to $2.50 for shorter trips, and from $2.50 to $3 or $3 to $3.50 for out-of-town service, depending on length. 
 
The fare increases, which must be approved by the agency's 24-member advisory board, will be the first since 2003.

Initial reaction to the higher rates has been mixed, with the most concern being voiced by riders using the para-transit van service, said MacInnes.

The hearings, which begin on May 27 in Holyoke and conclude June 4 in Westfield, will allow PVTA officials to make their case and get the public's response.

The PVTA is facing a $1.7 million budget deficit for the coming fiscal year, reflecting a near doubling of diesel fuel costs for its 170-bus fleet. The price went from $1.77 a gallon to $3.30 in the past year, and is not expected to drop soon, MacInnes said.

The PVTA's board will need to either approve, modify or reject the rate increase in June to allow the authority to complete the budget for fiscal 2009.

The agency, which serves Hampden and Hampshire counties, hopes to raise $1 million from the new fares to avoid the possibility of service cutbacks, MacInnes said.

In addition to the hearings, passengers can submit comments in writing or by phone to the authority's headquarters at 2808 Main St., Springfield.